Mr. Adam Harris:

Two key points are really important. People have very different understandings of what the term "IEP" means. An individual education plan is an evidence-based approach to supporting people within school. As the EPSEN Act describes a particular approach to IEPs, it is correct that this approach is not required because it has not been commenced. However, this is not to say that there is no need to provide an appropriate plan. The Teaching Council of Ireland's professional code of conduct makes it very clear that there is a requirement to differentiate and accommodate all students and the courts have ruled that every child has a right to an appropriate adequate education and that requires differentiation.

That said, it is critical that teachers are given the support they need to understand and better meet the needs of students because we know the vast majority of teachers really want to do that and already do a good job. Critically, what this Act should do when commenced is make sure parents have a right to be involved in how that planning takes place and there is transparency around that planning.